Moving in Chicago can be overwhelming, but finding a reliable, well-reviewed moving company can make the process much easier. Whether you’re relocating to a new neighborhood, upsizing, or downsizing, hiring professional movers can save you time, effort, and stress.
To make your search a little less overwhelming, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best moving companies in Chicago, based on thousands of real customer reviews from Google, Yelp, and trusted local sources like Reddit. Every mover on this list is fully licensed, insured, and recommended by Chicago residents, so all you have to do is enjoy settling into your new home.
Note: All ratings and review counts are accurate at the time of writing and may have changed since publication.
1. The Professionals Moving Specialists
Website: thepromove.com
Google rating: 5.0 stars, 5,000+ reviews
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars, 1,100+ reviews
The Professionals tops almost every “best Chicago movers” list for good reason. With an A+ BBB rating and over 20 years in business, they’ve built their reputation on reliable, drama-free moves.
What they offer: Full-service packing, storage solutions, long-distance moves, and emergency moves when you’re in a pinch.
Why renters love them:
- Licensed, insured, and completely transparent about pricing
- Accurate quotes with no surprise fees
- Teams show up on time and seem happy to be there
2. Moovers Chicago
Website: mooverschicago.com
Google rating: 4.9 stars, 800+ reviews
Yelp rating: 4.8 stars, 400+ reviews
Don’t let the simple name fool you, Moovers delivers some of the highest-rated service in Chicago. Customers consistently mention excellent communication and smooth moves, even in tricky apartment buildings.
Great for:
- Apartment moves with stairs, narrow hallways, or elevator scheduling (check out this Chicago apartments Reddit discussion for more apartment moving tips)
- Renters who want full-service support and clear communication
- Overall, accurate quotes and fast response times
3. Move-tastic!
Website: move-tastic.com
Google rating: 5.0 stars, 2,600+ reviews
Yelp rating: 4.6 stars, 1,000+ reviews
Move-tastic! is known for its upbeat crews, reliable service, and eco-conscious approach. They’re one of the few Chicago movers offering sustainable packing options and flexible storage for smaller or partial moves, making them perfect for renters who want a smooth move with a lighter environmental footprint.
Why they stand out:
- Fun, energetic crews that make moving a little more fun
- Competitive pricing with solid follow-up service
- Eco-conscious packing materials and practices
- Flexible options for smaller or partial moves
4. H2H Movers
Website: h2hmovers.com
Google rating: 4.9 stars, 3,200+ reviews
Yelp rating: 4.3 stars, 400+ reviews
H2H Movers (House-to-House) has built a solid reputation in town. Customers often highlight their accurate flat-rate pricing, professional crews, and careful handling, especially for fragile or complex moves. Many renters say they chose H2H to avoid the rushed service or surprise fees they encountered with larger companies.
What sets them apart:
- Free furniture assembly and disassembly
- Upfront flat-rate pricing with zero hidden fees
- Great track record with fragile items and complex moves
5. Collins Family Movers
Website: thecollinsmove.com
Google rating: 4.9 stars, 580+ reviews
Yelp rating: 4.6 stars, 630+ reviews
Collins Family Movers is an established, family-owned Chicago moving company known for neighborhood-level consistency. They may not handle high-volume corporate relocations, but they’re a solid choice for renters seeking reliable, hands-on moving help across the city.
What makes them special:
- Personalized quotes and small, consistent crews
- Trusted by repeat customers all over Chicago
- Flexible timing that works around your schedule
- Ideal for local moves within the city
6. New City Moving
Website: newcitymovers.com
Google rating: 4.8 stars, 5,200+ reviews
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars, 1,300+ reviews
New City Moving is one of Chicago’s largest moving companies, which means they can usually squeeze you in even when you’re booking at the last-minute. They handle everything from small apartment moves to big commercial jobs.
Best for: Last-minute bookings, large moves, or when you need storage and packing services all in one place.
7. Bernard Movers
Website: bernardmovers.com
Google rating: 4.5 stars, 160+ reviews
Yelp rating: 4.1 stars, 300+ reviews
Bernard Movers has been helping Chicagoans move for over 45 years. While they have fewer online reviews than newer companies, their longtime customers swear by their reliability and personal touch.
What they specialize in:
- Piano and specialty item moving
- High-rise moves downtown and on the North Side
- Perfect if you prefer working with an established, family-style business
Good to know: They are well-versed in Chicago’s building policies and parking restrictions, which can save you headaches on moving day.
Tips for choosing your Chicago mover
Get multiple quotes: Prices can vary significantly between companies, so get at least three estimates before making a decision.
Book early: Chicago’s moving season (May through September) fills up fast. Book at least 4-6 weeks ahead if possible.
Ask about building requirements: Many Chicago buildings have specific moving policies, elevator reservations, and parking restrictions. Make sure your mover knows how to handle logistics like these.
Confirm insurance coverage: All these companies carry insurance, but double-check what’s covered and consider additional protection for valuable items.
Frequently asked questions about moving in Chicago
How much does it cost to move in Chicago?
Local Chicago moves typically cost between $500 and $1,500 for a small apartment and $800 and $3,000 for a larger home, depending on the distance, stairs, and services needed. The overall industry standard is $500 to $800 for a typical move.
Hourly rates typically range from $100 to $150 per hour for a two-person crew. Factors that increase costs include moving during the peak season (May-September), weekend moves, stairs, long carries, and additional services such as packing.
Should I tip my movers?
Yes, tipping is standard practice and shows appreciation for hard work. Plan to tip $20-$40 per mover for local moves, or $40-$80 per mover for long-distance moves. You can adjust based on service quality, job difficulty, and weather conditions. Cash is usually preferred.
When is the best time to move in Chicago?
The best time to move in Chicago is during off-peak months (October to April), when rates are up to 20-30% cheaper and availability is better. Within any month, weekdays are typically more affordable than weekends. Avoid the peak summer months (June-August) and the beginning/end of months when demand spikes. If you must move during peak season, book at least 6-8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and potentially better rates.
Moving in Chicago has its challenges, but the right team makes all the difference. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly efficiency or white-glove service, these seven companies have proven track records of helping Chicagoans safely settle into their new homes.
Here’s a full guide to planning, packing, and staying organized for your move.
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